After goal line stand, Kansas State's defense will be tested again

AP

Wednesday

Sep 28, 2011 at 10:17 PM

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Nothing like proving your worth as a defense with a game-winning goal line stand during a road game against a nationally recognized opponent. Now, Kansas State returns home to face a Heisman Trophy candidate and one of the best offenses in the country.

Life doesn't get any easier for the Wildcats against No. 15 Baylor on Saturday.

While holding Eastern Kentucky to 129 yards of offense and Kent State to 199 in its first two games didn't elicit much national praise, Kansas State's 28-24 upset at Miami last Saturday certainly turned some heads.

"There was that doubt across the nation because we'd stopped some offenses, but we hadn't stopped any notable offenses," defensive end Jordan Voelker said. "It was just still a question mark in that aspect. We looked like a changed defense, but there were no facts on the board for it, really."

There was much ado about the speed of Miami's offense going into last week's game, especially after the Hurricanes knocked off nationally ranked Ohio State. But coach Bill Snyder said this week that he thought the Wildcats played every bit as fast as their opponent.

"We can't match up on the clock, but the reason was, we played hard, we played smart," he said. "Our guys knew what they were going to do and how to go about doing it, and they were assignment-sound and correct most of the time, and that allowed them to play as fast as they're capable of playing. Because of that, the speed issue wasn't a factor."

Besides playing fast, the Wildcats held their ground when it counted, keeping the Hurricanes out of the end zone in the waning seconds despite giving up 21 points after halftime. It was the second time in as many games Kansas State has made a goal-line stand - they also did so against Kent State, which resulted in their first shutout since 2006.

"We don't want to be there," safety Tysyn Hartman said. "Unfortunately, they got down there, but we found a way to get a stop. We had all 11 guys on the ball, playing their hearts out. Nobody wanted them across that line. You can tell from seeing the film. Really, that attitude is what the coaches were excited about the most."

Despite all the positives in their latest performance, there are some things the Wildcats would rather avoid. Lamar Miller's 59-yard TD run proved there is still big-play potential against them.

"It happened because we had an individual, one single individual, lined up incorrectly and therefore out of position," Snyder said, "and most offenses will find that if you allow it to happen. It was a moment to reflect on and learn from with our players."

The Wildcats overcame most of their defensive mistakes to get a confidence-building victory over the Hurricanes, taking advantage of a couple mistakes by Miami quarterback Jacory Harris. But Baylor's high-powered offense and quarterback Robert Griffin III, a legitimate Heisman contender, are more likely to capitalize on missed tackles, missed assignments and missed opportunities.

Griffin has completed 70 of 82 passes this season, already has more touchdowns (13) than incompletions, leads the nation in pass efficiency and is third in total offense. He leads a Bears offense that ranks second nationally with a gaudy 594 yards per game.

"He absolutely does it all," Snyder said. "He's got a good mind on his shoulders. He makes good decisions about what he's doing. He can throw the ball. He can get it out of his hands faster than you can a hot coal, and he can run around. He's got tremendous quickness, excellent change of direction, good speed, very good speed, punts the ball, quick kicking form.

"He's Jim Thorpe all over again but with a heck of a lot more speed."

While the Wildcats' defense took a step in the right direction against Miami - and is still ranked No. 6 nationally in yards allowed- they understand that things change with conference play.

Especially with Baylor coming to town.

"We've got such high caliber of offenses in the Big 12," Hartman said. "We've got to prove something week in and week out."

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.